Did you miss our preview of the Call to Arms: Storming the Keep? Malus Blackdagger and his bandits are threatening Neverwinter. It is up to you to bring the battle to Captain Blackdagger’s doorstep. Their fortress is heavily guarded, but those who successfully defeat Malus could be rewarded with great items including new enchantments, companion, unique weapon transmutes and Medallions of Battle.

To learn more about the Call to Arms Skirmish Event click here. Starting at 10 AM PST on January 23, 2014, players from level 6-60 will be able to queue for Call to Arms at any time during the event period. This is a great way to catch up on any missed achievements or simply play through a skirmish that you might have skipped. In addition to the equipment drops from slain creatures (specific to your level), players could receive the following items:

New Enchantment: Brutal Enchantment

This enchantment is cold to the touch, and seems to dim the light around it. Players can receive up to Rank 5 Brutal Enchantment during the event. Rank 1 and 2 Brutal Enchantments my drop from creatures while running the skirmish.

New Companion: Swashbuckler

This companion has had a change of heart, giving up on a life of robbery and extortion. She now joins noble adventurers longing for virtuous adventures and companionship.

As a Green companion, Swashbuckler has a max rank of 20 and initial power points in critical strike, armor penetration and power. This companion also includes two offensive and one defensive slots for runestones, along with a neck, waist and sword knot slot.

Swashbuckler has three powers and an active bonus:

Active bonus:

On suffering a critical hit +200 critical strike chance for 5 seconds

Shield Charge:

Charge at target foe and hit them with the edge of the shield to deal damage.

A set of dyes much like those that pirates wear; allows you to fit in with the seafaring citizens of Neverwinter. Sufficient to dye a single piece of clothing or armor.

Medallions of Battle:

New to CTA Events are the medallions of battle. They drop from the chest at the end of the skirmish and from monsters during the event. They can be used to purchase the weapons, typically found in the reward chest. The Call to Arms store can be found by visiting Herald’s Terrace in Protector’s Enclave.

Class-based transmutable items: using medallions of battle, players can purchase Damaran weapons and completely change how your weapons look with these special Call to arms themed weapon transmutes. Are you ready to take on Malus Blackdagger and his bandits? Let us know on the official Neverwinter Forums.

Blackdagger Ruins is a dangerous place occupied by bandits plundering the high roads of Neverwinter, attacking travelers and any merchants who dare pass through this treacherous land. It is time for all adventures to take arms and bring the fight to Captain Malus Blackdagger and his bandits. On January 23, 2014, we’re introducing a new Call to Arms Skirmish Event where players of all levels can take down Captain Blackdagger in the Storming the Keep skirmish. Players can earn more unique rewards by successfully completing the skirmish! To learn more about the Call to Arms Skirmish Event click here.

What rewards can you expect to get from the event? There will be new weapon transmutes, new dyes, a companion, and Brutal Enchantments. Furthermore we’re introducing Medallions of Battle, a new item that can be collected during the event, which can be used to purchase weapons.

We’ll have more information about all the rewards when the upcoming Call to Arms: Storming the Keep is live next week. Are you ready to answer the call to arms? Let us know on the official Neverwinter Forums.

Adventurers, starting today until Monday, December 2, 2013, going on the hunt will soon be more rewarding! With Module 2: Shadowmantle coming on December 5, 2013, you'll want to become even stronger if you hope to survive a battle against Valindra Shadowmantle and her forces. Fortunately, we're starting a Double XP Weekend today to get you prepared for the tough challenges ahead.

Your trusty companions will also benefit from this great event! Companions will also gain double XP for kills, XP rewards, etc. Even if you are level 60, your companions will continue to gain double XP as you progress through the game.

Are you close to reaching Neverwinter's end-game content? Are your companions almost fully leveled? With the upcoming Double XP Weekend, your characters and companions will level faster than ever! Experience rewards from quests, killing critters, and other in-game activities will soon be doubled! Get ready to explore Forgotten Realms with your party and grow even stronger.